ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (February 10, 2014) — The Rowdies announced today the re-signings of defender Takuya Yamada and forward Devin Del Do. Yamada has been signed to a one-year contract, while Del Do’s contract is two-years, with the second year being a club option.

Yamada (5-11, 180) enters his fifth season with the club, originally joining the Rowdies for the 2010 season. The Japanese defender has become a keystone player for the Rowdies and a popular fan-favorite, reaching his 100th official match with the Rowdies during the 2013 season. Yamada started 22 matches in 2013, and his individual honors included being named to the NASL Team of the Week on four separate occasions.

“Takuya has been with the team since the beginning and I am so pleased to have him return for yet another season,” said Rowdies general manager Perry Van Der Beck. “It’s no coincidence that he is a fan favorite and is truly admired by his teammates due to his incredible work ethic and his focus on performing at his highest level, game after game. We are fortunate to have players of his caliber and experience.”

In 2012, Yamada was the only player in the league to have started all 28 regular season matches. His stellar performances earned him a spot on the 2012 NASL BEST XI (top 11 players league-wide). Throughout his career, Yamada has played for several elite Japanese clubs, including Tokyo Verdy (formerly Verdy Kawasaki). The defender had four caps with the Japanese National Team between 2003 and 2004, including the 2004 Asian Cup in Beijing, where Japan defeated China 3-1.

Del Do (5-9, 155) joined the Rowdies for the 2013 season after a three-year stint with the Minnesota Stars FC, now Minnesota United FC. Last season, the forward scored one goal and recorded three assists in 15 appearances.

“Devin is a proven asset, both on and off the field,” Perry Van Der Beck noted. “He has always stepped up when needed. He is a positive influence on his teammates and I am pleased to see that he will be returning for another season. As a veteran of the NASL, Devin’s experience will be counted on as we pursue another championship.”

In his three years at Minnesota, Del Do scored nine goals and added three assist in over 45 appearances. A native of Valencia, California, Del Do played collegiately at California State University of Northridge. He appeared in 70 games in his career for the Matadors, finishing with nine goals and nine assists.